Elephant Rocks & Elephant Cove
William Bay National Park in the Denmark Region
Elephant Rocks and Elephant Cove is one of our favourite places to visit on the South Coast. As it name suggests, Elephant Rocks looks exactly like a herd of elephants, paddling in the shallow waters.
Elephant Rocks
Elephant Rocks and Elelphant Cove lie nestled in the heart of the William Bay National Park. Elephant Rocks is a breathtaking display of nature's artistry, resembling a majestic herd of elephants gracefully wading in the gentle waters of the Great Southern Ocean. These massive cracked oval boulders stand proudly, gazing out upon the vast expanse of the ocean. Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool are side by side.
Getting to Elephant Rocks
Elephant Rocks can only be reached via the William Bay Road, off the South Coast Highway, about a 5 minute drive. Elephant Rocks has it's own carpark for over 60 venhicles, continue left at the base of William Bay Road. (To go to Greens Pool parking area you would turn right.) William Bay National Park experiences a surge in popularity during peak periods, such as school and public holidays. However, it's essential to note that parking spaces can be limited during these times. To savour a more serene and fulfilling experience, consider visiting the park during quieter periods. Once parked, a short 5 minute walk along the pathway will bring you to Elephant Rocks.
From this winding trail there are two ways to reach Elephant Rocks: When the pathway forks you can turn left and view Elephant Rocks from behind along the dunes then take a short set of stairs on to Elephant Rocks Beach, called Elephant Cove. If you take the right fork it will lead you to a view of the Elephant Rocks from above. For the more adventureous, descend the staircase and make your way between two towering rocks onto the beach... watch the waves though... difficult to escape a foot-wetting at high tide... These huge cracked elephant-shaped oval rocks make a stunning sight.Elephant Cove
Elephant Cove is a beautiful protected bay. Explore the rocks that invite you to climb and wander, offering an exquisite vantage point that directly faces the vast sea! Exercise utmost caution, as the ocean is known for its unpredictable King waves. Despite the mesmerising allure, your safety should be your top priority. Elephant Cove is a wonderful place to spend time, relaxing on these ancient grounds with white sand, turquiose clear water and rock magnificence.
See the video below for the lower half of the staircase walk. View a Map of William Bay National Park, or see the Satellite Map below.
Elephant Cove is an peaceful protected bay to visit, go directly by following the left trail or take the right trail, down the stairs and through the beach boulders.
The William Bay Coastline:
The rocks are incredible shapes and are stained from years of standing on the beach. The Stone Sentinels sure are patient creatures. They tower above you as you enter the Cove giving you a sense of perspective.Elephant Rocks and Elephant Cove, on the park's eastern coastline are a must-visit when exploring Denmark alongside stunning spots like Greens Pool, Madfish Bay, and Waterfall Beach. Venture westward, and you'll encounter the wilder and more rugged features of Parry Beach, Parry Inlet, Mazoletti Beach, and Hillier Bay.
Remember, the Great Southern Ocean coastline is prone to surges, so be extremely aware when climbing or walking close to the waterline. Exploring alone may be dangerous. The beach at Elephant Cove as well as that of Greens Pool is quite protected by the lines of rocks out to sea and are a common place to swim.
To get your bearings use this Greens Pool map of Greens Pool & For the Elephant Rocks map, including the carparks and paths, click here.
Video From Tower Hill
The calm waters of Greens Pool are very clearly seen in this video of Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool from Tower Hill. The video starts with the backs of the elephants, and pans west (right) to Greens Pool.
Elephant Cove is alive. Some creatures are built-in to their surroundings, like this amazingly coloured crab, another beautiful resident of the south west coast, blending perfectly into a water-filled crack in the rocks.
It's takes all types to make a place as beautiful as Denmark...
Places to EAT nearby:
The Dam At Raintree
The Dam is an exceptional restaurant, bar and distillery located just 10kms outside of Denmark that you simply cannot miss.
The Dam is a unique restaurant, bar and distillery just outside of Denmark, offering fresh local produce alongside handcrafted cocktails and seltzers made with our own hemp spirits, local craft beers and Raintree wines. Our menu features an Australian cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean influence, thanks to our Head Chef's heritage. Whether you prefer to dine outside in our rock amphitheatre or on our deck overlooking the dam, or inside the restaurant, you'll find a diverse range of sustainably produced products, including hemp, truffle, marron and black angus beef, available at our seasonal bar, restaurant and shop. At The Dam, we take pride in our signature cocktails, made with our unique Cannabis Botanical Spirits, and our skilled and friendly bar team. You're welcome to drop by our bar lounge anytime for a drink and a casual meal without a booking, but we do recommend making a reservation if you'd like to dine in the restaurant. Come experience the exceptional flavours, relaxed ambiance, and stunning views that The Dam has to offer.
Important Notice:
SAFETY:
ALWAYS watch the ocean. The Southern Ocean is prone to King Waves (giant waves) ALWAYS watch children in and around the water, and keep your eye on the waterline. Look for the highest place the along the beach and rocks that are WET. Be safe.
CLIMBING:
The rocks are steep and sheer. Be extremely careful at the top of the path above the 'elephants'. Be extremely CAREFUL near the ocean. Never leave children
unattended. Do not climb out over the rocks.
GETTING THERE:
Elephant
Rocks is on the William
Bay National Park Map. Off South Coast Hwy 15k West
of Denmark.
Other places to see in William Bay National Park, Denmark WA:
Almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean, Greens Pool is a paradise. Visit Greens Pool
Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean. One of the most visited places on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Elephant Rocks
In Madfish Bay an island rests close to the shore. The waves at this beach come from two different directions. Visit Madfish Bay
Mazzoletti Beach stretches from Greens Pool in the East by foot to Parry Beach in the West. Almost the entire coastal distance of William Bay National Park. Visit Mazzoletti Beach
Offering spectacular views across William Bay towards Green Pool and Elephant Rocks. Camping permitted if available. Visit Parry Beach
From the lookout you can see the forested hills of William Bay National Park. Visit Parry Inlet
Located a kilometre north of Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks at the eastern side of William Bay National Park. Visit Tower Hill
With beautiful turquoise waters the waterfall cascades from the heathland onto the beach and out to sea. Visit Waterfall Beach
Map of William Bay National Park including Greens Pool & Elephant Cove Visit William Bay National Park Map
Denmark WA Maps:
Map of the Denmark Western Australia Region including Denmark Town and National Parks. Visit Denmark Regional Map
Map of Beaches in Denmark Western Australia. Includes some of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. Visit Denmark Beaches Map
Map of National Parks and Reserves near Denmark Western Australia. Visit Denmark National Parks Map
Map of Denmark Town and The Wilson Inlet and Surrounds. Visit Denmark and the Wilson Inlet Map
The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants
Map of William Bay National Park including Greens Pool & Elephant Cove Visit William Bay National Park Map
